Fitting for concentrically loading a brace member

ABSTRACT

Example aspects of a fitting for engaging a brace member and a method for attaching a fitting to a brace member are disclosed. The fitting for engaging a brace member can comprise a fitting body; a first jaw extending from the fitting body; a second jaw extending from the fitting body, the first jaw and second jaw defining a slot therebetween; and a contact surface configured to continuously engage a peripheral edge of the brace member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to fittings. More specifically, this disclosurerelates to a fitting for concentrically loading a brace member.

BACKGROUND

Piping systems, such as fire sprinkler system piping and HVAC piping,can be mounted in a structure (e.g., a building) using various types ofpipe support assemblies (e.g., hangers, stanchions, slides, guides,seismic braces, rollers, etc.). Some piping systems are subject todynamic loads (e.g., seismic loads from an earthquake or settling of thestructure). Piping support assemblies can employ a seismic braceassembly to allow for movement of the piping system along with thestructure in response to dynamic loads.

The seismic brace assembly can include a brace member. The brace membercan be a hollow pipe comprising a cylindrical wall with open ends. Oneend of the brace member can be attached to the structure and the otherend of the brace member can be attached to the piping system. A jaw-typeseismic fitting can be used to attach the brace member to the pipingsystem, the structure, and/or a mounting mechanism for mounting thesupport assembly to the structure. Typical jaw-type fittings engage onlyone side of a peripheral edge of the cylindrical wall (e.g. a top side).Engaging the brace member at only one side of the peripheral edge canrestrict the load-carrying capability of the brace member and can createan undesirable eccentric or torsional force on the brace member and/oran undesirable prying or twisting force on the mounting mechanism, thefitting, and/or the structure.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a fitting for engaging a brace member, the fittingcomprising a fitting body; a first jaw extending from the fitting body;a second jaw extending from the fitting body, the first jaw and secondjaw defining a slot therebetween; and a contact surface configured tocontinuously engage a peripheral edge of the brace member.

Also disclosed is a fitting for engaging a brace member, the fittingcomprising a fitting body; a first jaw extending from the fitting body;a second jaw extending from the fitting body, a first contact surfacedefined between the first and second jaw and configured to engage afirst location on a peripheral edge of the brace member; and a lipextending from the fitting body, the lip defining a second contactsurface configured to engage a second location on the peripheral edge ofthe brace member.

Also disclosed is a method for attaching a fitting to a brace member,comprising inserting a portion of a wall of the brace member between afirst and a second jaw of the fitting, the wall defining a peripheraledge; abutting a first portion of the peripheral edge against a firstcontact surface of the fitting; abutting a second portion of theperipheral edge against a second contact surface of the fitting; andattaching the fitting to the brace member with a fastener.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a fitting, in accordance with one aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 1 in engagementwith a brace member and taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a seismic brace assembly comprising a pairof the fittings of FIG. 1, a pipe clamp, a brace member, and a mountingbracket, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pipe clamp of FIG. 3 in engagementwith a pipe.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the pipe clamp of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a side-view the fitting of FIG. 1 in engagement with afastening device.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 1 andfastening device of FIG. 6 in engagement with the brace member of FIG. 3and taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 1 and fasteningdevice of FIG. 6 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 10 and with the fasteningdevice in a first position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 1 and fasteningdevice of FIG. 6 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 10 and with the fasteningdevice in a second position.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the fitting of FIG. 1 in engagement with thebrace member of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11A is an end view of the fitting of FIG. 1 in engagement with thebrace member of FIG. 3, wherein the brace member is shown astransparent.

FIG. 11B is an end view of the fitting of FIG. 1 in engagement withanother brace member having a generally square cross-sectional shape,wherein the brace member is shown as transparent.

FIG. 12 is an end view of another aspect of a fitting according to thepresent disclosure in engagement with the brace member of FIG. 3,wherein the brace member is shown as transparent.

FIG. 13 is an end view of another aspect of a fitting according to thepresent disclosure in engagement with the brace member of FIG. 3,wherein the brace member is shown as transparent.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the fitting of FIG. 1 in engagement with astrut channel, wherein the strut channel is shown as transparent.

FIG. 15 is a side view of one of the pair of fittings of FIG. 3 inengagement with the mounting bracket of FIG. 3 and the brace member ofFIG. 3, the mounting bracket attached to a wall.

FIG. 16 illustrates the fitting of FIG. 15 in engagement with a concreteanchor, the concrete anchor attached to a wall, according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of another example aspect of a fittingaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 17 inengagement with the mounting bracket of FIG. 3 and the brace member ofFIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a fitting and associatedmethods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of thefitting can comprise a body, a first jaw, a second jaw, and a lip. Thefitting can be configured to engage a brace member comprising aperipheral edge at at least two locations along the peripheral edge. Itwould be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosedfitting is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. Noparticular terminology or description should be considered limiting onthe disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of a fitting 124 according to thepresent disclosure. Example aspects of the fitting 124 can be a seismicfitting. As shown, the fitting 124 can comprise a fitting body 170, afirst jaw 172 extending from the fitting body 170, and a second jaw 174extending from the fitting body 170. The first jaw 172 and second jaw174 can be fixed in a spaced relationship to define a slot 176therebetween. Example aspects of the slot 176 can comprise a closed endwall 178. As shown, example aspects of the end wall 178 can be formed bythe fitting body 170. The fitting 124 can further comprise a lip 180coupled to and extending from the fitting body 170. Example aspects ofthe lip 180 can comprise a lip wall 182, and the lip wall 182 can bespaced apart from the end wall 178 of the slot 176. The fitting 124 canbe formed from any material or combinations of materials of suitablestrength, including, but not limited to, metals and plastics. Inparticular, the fitting body 170, first jaw 172, second jaw 174, and lip180 can be defined in a single monolithic structure, and can be formedfrom cast iron or other cast material. In other aspects, any of thefitting body 170, first jaw 172, second jaw 174, and lip 180 can beseparate components that are coupled to the other components of thefitting 124.

The first and second jaws 172, 174 can be oriented generally parallel toone another and can extend in a first direction (e.g., horizontally)from the fitting body 170. Thus, the slot 176 defined by the first andsecond jaws 172, 174 can also extend in the first direction. The lip 180can extend in a second direction (e.g., vertically) from the fittingbody 170, and in example aspects, the second direction can besubstantially perpendicular to the first direction. Further, accordingto example aspects, such as the aspect depicted in FIG. 1, the first jaw172 can be oriented above the second jaw 174, and both the first andsecond jaws 172, 174 can be oriented above the lip 180. It will beappreciated, however, that in other aspects, the directions andorientations of the first jaw 172, second jaw 174, and lip 180 can bedifferent.

The lip wall 182 of the lip 180 and the end wall 178 of the slot 176 canbe formed as generally planar surfaces; however, other example aspectsof the end wall 178 and the lip wall 182 may not be planar. Further, thelip wall 182 and the end wall 178 of the slot 176 can be coplanar withone another. As shown, example aspects of the lip wall 182 and the endwall 178 can extend generally vertically relative to the orientationshown and can be coplanar in the same vertical plane. Moreover, the endwall 178 of the slot 176 can be oriented above the lip wall 182 of thelip 180, relative to the orientation shown, though it will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that the orientation can bedifferent.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fitting 124 can be configured to engage abrace member 104. For example, the fitting 124 can be a seismic fittingconfigured to engage the brace member 104. Example aspects of a bracemember can include pipes, tubes, struts, strut channels, angle irons,flat stock, and other brace members known in the art. The brace member104 can be formed as a hollow cylindrical tube comprising a cylindricalsidewall 164 comprising at least one open end. The open end can bedefined by a peripheral edge 166. Some example aspects of the bracemember 104 can define a circular cross-section, while other exampleaspects of the brace member 104 can define an oval cross-section or anyother desired shape. The brace member 104 can be formed from anymaterial, or combination of materials, that are known in the art,including but not limited to metal, plastic, resin, synthetic materials,and fibers. In some aspects, the brace member 104 can be extruded steel,for example and without limitation. In one aspect, the lip wall 182 andend wall 178 can extend in a direction D_(w) that is perpendicular to acenterline C_(p) of the brace member 104, when the brace member 104 isengaged with the fitting 124.

The slot 176 formed in the fitting 124 can be sized and shaped toreceive a portion of the cylindrical wall 164 at the open end of thebrace member 104. As shown, the second jaw 174 can extend through theopen end of the brace member 104 and can be positioned within the hollowinterior, the hollow interior of the brace member 104 being suitablysized to receive the second jaw 174. The first jaw 172 can be positionedoutside of the brace member 104, as shown. The peripheral edge 166 ofthe brace member 104 can abut the end wall 178 of the slot 176 at afirst location along the peripheral edge 166. As best seen in FIG. 2,according to one example aspect, the slot 176 can engage a top side ofthe pipe sidewall 164, and the end wall 178 of the slot 176 can abut acorresponding top side of the first peripheral edge 166.

The lip wall 182 of the lip 180 can abut the peripheral edge 166 of thebrace member 104 at a second location along the peripheral edge 166 thatis different from the first location. In the depicted aspect, the endwall 178 of the slot 176 and the lip wall 182 of the lip 180 can beconfigured to engage opposing portions of the peripheral edge 166. Forexample, as best shown in FIG. 2, the end wall 178 of the slot 176 canabut a top side of the peripheral edge 166, and the lip wall 182 of thelip 180 can abut a bottom side of the peripheral edge 166 that ispositioned directly opposite the top side of the peripheral edge 166.Engaging opposing sides of the peripheral edge 166 of the brace member104 distributes the load carried by the brace member 104 along thepipe's centerline C_(p), so that the load is concentric to the bracemember 104. Loading a brace member 104 concentrically can improve theload-carrying capability of the brace member 104, eliminating twistingforces on the fitting 124 and the brace member 104.

The fitting 124 can further comprise a fastener for securing the fitting124 to the brace member 104. In example aspects, the fitting 124 cancomprise a set screw 128 for attaching the fitting 124 to an open end ofthe brace member 104. An example set screw 128 can comprise a hexagonalhead end 128 a and a cylindrical threaded tail end 128 b, as shown. Aset screw bore 130 can be defined in the first jaw 172 of the fitting124, extending from an upper surface 172 a of the first jaw 172 to alower surface 172 b of the first jaw 172. The set screw bore 130 can bethreaded to match the threading on the set screw 128, allowing the setscrew 128 to be screwed into the set screw bore 130. Referring to theexample aspect of FIG. 2, a centerline axis C_(sb) of the set screw bore130 is generally perpendicular to the centerline axis C_(p) of the bracemember 104, and as such, a centerline axis C_(ss) of the set screw 128is generally perpendicular to the centerline axis C_(p) of the bracemember 104.

The set screw 128, when threaded into the set screw bore 130, can movetowards the second jaw 174 and can bias the portion of the cylindricalsidewall 164 received within the slot 176 towards the second jaw 174.The set screw 128 can be sufficiently tightened such that the sidewall164 is clamped between the set screw 128 and the second jaw 174,preventing movement and removal of the brace member 104 with respect tothe fitting 124. In various aspects, additional or other fasteners canbe used for attaching the fitting 124 to the brace member 104; forexample, clips, rivets, snaps, adhesive, welds, or any other fastenerknown in the art.

Also disclosed in the present application is a pipe support assembly 100utilizing the fitting 124 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a firstaspect of a pipe support assembly 100, according to the presentdisclosure. The pipe support assembly 100 can comprise a pipe clamp 102,a brace member 104, and a mounting bracket 106 and can be configured formounting a pipe 108 or piping system to a structure (e.g., a building).In example aspects, the brace member 104 can extend between the pipeclamp 102 and the mounting bracket 106, and the distance between thepipe clamp 102 and the mounting bracket 106 can be selectivelyadjustable. Moreover, example aspects of the brace member 104 can beconfigured for rotational motion with respect to the pipe clamp 102and/or the mounting bracket 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example aspect of a pipe clamp 102. The pipe clamp102 can engage and support a pipe 108 of a piping system, such as, forexample, an indoor water sprinkler system. Pipe clamp 102 can comprisetwo C-shaped halves 110, each defining an outer surface and an innersurface. Inner surfaces of the C-shaped halves 110 define a clampchannel 112 (shown in FIG. 5) through which the pipe 108 is received.According to example aspects, C-shaped halves 110 are formed from ametal material, such as steel or cast iron, including ductile iron insome aspects. In other example aspects, C-shaped halves 110 can beformed from any material, or a combination of materials, that are knownin the art, including but not limited to, metal, plastic, resin,synthetic materials, and fibers.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, C-shaped halves 110 can be coupled togetherby fasteners 114. Fasteners 114 can be tightened such that the interiorsurfaces of the C-shaped halves 100 engage an outer surface of the pipe108 at a desired strength. While two fasteners 114 are shown, each at anopposing end of the C-shaped halves 110, any number of fasteners 114 canbe used. Fasteners 114 can be, for example, track bolts, as shown in thefigures. Example aspects of the track bolt fasteners 114 can begenerally mushroom-shaped, comprising a dome-shaped head end 114 a and acylindrical threaded tail end 114 b extending therefrom. As shown, theC-shaped halves 110 can each comprise a first end 110 a and an opposingsecond end 110 b. Threaded openings (not shown) are formed in the firstand second ends 110 a,100 b of the C-shaped halves 110. The threadedtail end 114 b of each fastener 114 can be configured to thread throughthe corresponding threaded openings in the C-shaped halves 110. In otheraspects, the openings formed in the C-shaped halves 110 of the pipeclamp 102 are not threaded. Each fastener 114 can be secured to theC-shaped halves 110, and thus the C-shaped halves 110 can be secured toone another, by coupling a mating threaded nut 118 to the threaded tailend 114 b of the fastener 114. The nut 118 can be tightened against thepipe clamp 102 as desired to reach a preferred engagement strengthbetween the pipe clamp 102 and the pipe 108. The fastener 114 and nut118 can be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limitedto, metal and plastic. Further, in other aspects, the fasteners 114 canbe clips, rivets, snaps, adhesive, welds, or any other fastener known inthe art.

As shown, the C-shaped halves 110 are secured together such that thefirst ends 110 a of the C-shaped halves 110 face one another, and thesecond ends 110 b of the C-shaped halves 110 face one another. Inexample aspects, as shown in FIG. 5, a gap G can be formed between eachof the the first ends 110 a and the second ends 110 b of the C-shapedhalves 110, with an intermediate portion of a threaded tail end 114 b ofa corresponding fastener 114 extending through the gap G. Exampleaspects of the pipe clamp 102 can comprise spacers (not shown)positioned over the intermediate portions of the threaded tail ends 114b of the fasteners 114 to maintain a predetermined space between theC-shaped halves 110.

Inner surfaces of the C-shaped halves 110 and/or outer surface of thepipe 108 can comprise features for improving the grip between the pipeclamp 102 and the pipe 108 for a more secure engagement between the pipeclamp 102 and the pipe 108. For example, C-shaped halves 110 cancomprise a gasket and/or teeth 190 configured to grip the pipe 108received within the clamp channel 112. The improved grip aids inpreventing the pipe 108 from moving with respect to the pipe clamp 102.

According to example aspects, the profile of the clamp channel 112 canbe defined by the inner surfaces of C-shaped halves 110 and can beformed to substantially match the profile of the pipe 108. For example,as depicted, the pipe 108 can define a substantially circularcross-sectional shape, and the clamp channel 112 formed by the C-shapedhalves 110 can also define a substantially circular cross-sectionalshape. However, in other aspects, the channel 112 of the pipe clamp 102can be formed with any desired cross-sectional shape, such as, forexample, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal,etc., to match varying cross-sectional shapes of piping. Moreover, theclamp channel 112 can be sized to accept the pipe 108 therein, and thesize of the clamp channel 112 can be adjusted to substantially match, orbe just slightly larger than, the size of the outer periphery of thepipe 108. This adjustment can be achieved by the appropriate tighteningof the threaded nuts 118 on the threaded tail end 114 b of the fasteners114 until the clearance between the outer surface of the pipe 108 andthe inner surfaces of the C-shaped halves 110 is minimal.

Referring to FIG. 6, the pipe support assembly 100 can comprise a firstfastening device 120. The first fastening device 120 can be, forexample, an eyebolt. As shown, the first fastening device 120 cancomprise a generally O-shaped head end 120 a and a cylindrical threadedtail end 120 b extending therefrom. The O-shaped head end 120 a candefine an opening 122 sized and shaped to receive a portion of afastening device 114 (e.g. a track bolt) of the pipe clamp 102. As shownin FIGS. 4 and 5, in example aspects, the O-shaped head end 120 a can besized and positioned to receive the intermediate portion of a fastener114 that is positioned within gap G. Gap G can be sized to accommodatethe O-shaped head end 120 a of the fastening device 120, with a largeenough clearance between the fastening device 120 and the pipe clamp 102to allow the fastening device 120 to rotate freely relative to the clamp102. As will be described in more detail below, the rotationalattachment of the fastening device 120 to the pipe clamp 102 also allowsfor movement of the brace member 104 relative to the pipe clamp 102.Example aspects can comprise a bearing 116 positioned between theintermediate portion of the fastener 114 and the O-shaped head end 120 aof the fastening device 120 to reduce friction between the fasteningdevice 120 and fastener 114 as the fastening device 120 rotates relativeto the pipe clamp 102. Note that, in different aspects, other connectorscan be employed to allow for rotation of the fastening device 120 withrespect to the pipe clamp 102, such as, for example, a swivel bolt.

As shown in FIG. 7, the brace member 104 can be attached to thefastening device 120. The brace member 104 can be formed from anymaterial, or combination of materials, that are known in the art,including but not limited to metal, plastic, resin, synthetic materials,and fibers. The brace member 104 can be, for example, a one-inchSchedule 40 steel pipe defining a circular cross section. In otheraspects, the brace member 104 can be another type, size and/or shape ofpipe or another type of brace that is known in the art.

The pipe support assembly 100 can comprise a first fitting 124configured for coupling a proximal end 104 a of the brace member 104 tothe first fastening device 120. The fitting 124 can comprise a fittingbody 170, a first jaw 172 extending from the fitting body 170, and asecond jaw 174 extending from the fitting body 170. The first jaw 172and second jaw 174 can be fixed in a spaced relationship to define aslot 176 therebetween. Example aspects of the slot 176 can define aclosed end wall 178 formed by the fitting body 170, as shown, or formedby another part of the fitting 124. The first fitting 124 can alsocomprise a lip 180 extending from the fitting body 170, the lip 180defining a lip wall 182. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and secondjaws 172, 174 can be oriented generally parallel to one another and canextend in a first direction from the fitting body 170. The lip 180, thelip wall 182, and the end wall 178 of the slot 176 can extend in asecond direction from the fitting body 170, and in example aspects, thesecond direction can be substantially perpendicular to the firstdirection. According to example aspects, the lip wall 182 and the endwall 178 can be spaced apart and aligned in the same plane, as shown.Further, as shown, the lip wall 182 and end wall 178 can extend in adirection D_(w) that is perpendicular to the centerline C_(p) of thebrace member 104. The first fitting 124 can be formed from any materialof suitable strength, including, but not limited to, metals andplastics.

The slot 176 of the first fitting 124 can be sized and shaped to receivea portion of the cylindrical wall 164 at the proximal end 104 a of thebrace member 104. The second jaw 174 can extend through the first openend of the brace member 104 and be oriented within the hollow interiorof the brace member 104, and the first jaw 172 can be oriented outsideof the brace member 104. When the cylindrical wall 164 of the bracemember 104 is received within the slot 176, the first peripheral edge166 of the brace member 104 can abut the closed end wall 178 of the slot176 at a first location along the first peripheral edge 166. As bestseen in FIG. 7, according to an example aspect, the slot 176 can engagea top side of the cylindrical sidewall 164 of the brace member 104 andthe end wall 178 of the slot 176 can abut a corresponding top side ofthe first peripheral edge 166.

The lip wall 182 of the lip 180 can abut the first peripheral edge 166of the brace member 104 at a second location along the peripheral edge166 that is different from the first location. Further, end wall 178 ofthe slot 176 and the lip wall 182 of the lip 180 can be configured toengage opposing locations on the first peripheral edge 166 of the bracemember 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the end wall 178 of theslot 176 can abut a top side of the peripheral edge 166, and the lipwall 182 of the lip 180 can abut a bottom side of the first peripheraledge 166 that is positioned directly opposite the top side of theperipheral edge 166, such that the first fitting 124 engages the firstperipheral edge 166 of the brace member 104 at two opposing locations.Engaging opposing locations of the first peripheral edge 166 of thebrace member 104 distributes the load carried by the brace member 104along the centerline C_(p) of the brace member 104, so that the bracemember 104 is concentrically loaded. Concentric loading of a bracemember 104 can improve the load-carrying capability of the pipe supportassembly 100, eliminating various undesirable forces on the fitting 124,the brace member 104, and the mounting bracket 106. Example aspects ofthe fitting 124 can engage the peripheral edge 166 of the brace member104 at additional locations, such that the peripheral edge 166 of thepipe is contacted at three locations, four locations, or any othernumber of locations as desired. In the aspect depicted herein, thefitting can engage the entire peripheral edge of the pipe, as is shownin FIGS. 10 and 11. In other aspects, the fitting can engage theperipheral edge of the pipe at a plurality of spaced apart locations.

FIGS. 10 and 11A illustrate an end view of the fitting 124 engaged withthe brace member 104. In FIG. 11A, the brace member 104 is transparent,such that the surfaces of the fitting 124 engaging the peripheral edge166 of the brace member 104 are visible. As shown, the end wall 178 ofthe slot 176 can define a first contact surface 179 for engaging a topside 166 a of the peripheral edge 166 of the brace member 104. The lipwall 182 of the lip 180 can define a second contact surface 183 forengaging a bottom side 166 b of the peripheral edge 166. Furthermore,the fitting body 170 can define third and fourth contact surfaces171,173 for engaging a left side 166 c and a right side 166 d,respectively, of the peripheral edge 166. As shown in the depictedaspect, the first, second, third, and fourth contact surfaces179,183,171,173 can be define a continuous contact surface 175 such thatthe entire peripheral edge 166 of the brace member 104 can becontinuously engaged by the fitting 124. FIG. 11B illustrates thefitting 124 in continuous engagement with a peripheral edge 166 b ofanother brace member 104 b, wherein the brace member 104 b can define agenerally square cross-sectional shape. The brace member 104 b is showntransparent so that a continuous contact surface 177 b of the fitting124 is visible.

In other aspects, the various contact surfaces of the fitting 124engaging the peripheral edge 166 of the brace member 104 can be spacedfrom one another, such that the peripheral edge 166 can be engaged atmultiple spaced apart locations. For example, FIG. 12 illustratesanother aspect of a fitting 1224 in accordance with the presentdisclosure, wherein the peripheral edge 166 of the pipe can be engagedat two locations. The end wall 1278 can define a first contact surface1279, and the lip wall 1282 can define a second contact surface 1283spaced apart from the first contact surface 1279. As shown, the firstand second contact surfaces 1279,1283 can engage the top side 166 a andthe bottom side 166 b, respectively, of the peripheral edge 166 of thebrace member 104, and thus, the fitting 1224 can engage the peripheraledge 166 at two spaced apart locations.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example aspect of a fitting 1324, inaccordance with the present disclosure, wherein the peripheral edge 166of the brace member 104 is engaged by the fitting 1324 at three spacedapart locations. As shown, the fitting 1324 can define a first contactsurface 1379, a second contact surface 1371 spaced from the firstcontact surface 1379, and third contact surface 1373 spaced from boththe first and second contact surfaces 1379,1371. As shown in FIG. 13, insome aspects, the contact surfaces 1379,1371,1373 can be un-equallyspaced apart from one another. As shown in FIG. 12, is some aspects, thecontact surfaces 1279, 1283 can be equally spaced.

FIG. 14 illustrates the fitting 104 of FIG. 1 in engagement with theperipheral edge of a strut channel 1404. As shown, the fitting 104 candefine a first contact surface 1479 for engaging a top side of aperipheral edge 1466 of the strut channel 1404, a second contact surface1471 for engaging a left side of the peripheral edge 1466, and a thirdcontact surface 1473 for engaging a right side of the peripheral edge1466. The first, second, and third contact surfaces 1479,1471,1473 canform a continuous contact surface 1477. The fitting 104 can furtherdefine fourth and fifth contact surfaces 1483 a,b for engage opposingbottom sides of the peripheral edge 1466. As shown, the fourth and fifthcontact surfaces 1483 a,b can be spaced from the first, second, andthird contact surfaces 1479,1471,1473, and from each other.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the first fitting 124 can comprise a set screwfastener 128 for attaching the first fitting 124 to the correspondingproximal end 104 a of the brace member 104. An example set screw 128 candefine a hexagonal head end 128 a and a cylindrical threaded tail end128 b, as shown. A set screw bore 130 can be formed in the first jaw 172of the fitting 124, extending from an upper surface 172 a of the firstjaw 172 to a lower surface 172 b of the first jaw 172. The set screwbore 130 can be threaded to match the threading on the set screw 128,allowing the set screw 128 to be screwed into the set screw bore 130.Referring to the example aspect of FIG. 7, the centerline axis C_(sb) ofthe set screw bore 130 is generally perpendicular to the centerline axisC_(p) of the brace member 104, and as such, the centerline axis C_(ss)of the set screw 128 is generally perpendicular to the centerline axisC_(p) of the brace member 104.

The set screw 128, when threaded into the set screw bore 130, can movetowards the second jaw 174 and can bias the portion of the cylindricalsidewall 164 received within the slot 176 towards the second jaw 174.The set screw 128 can be sufficiently tightened such that the sidewall164 is clamped between the set screw 128 and the second jaw 174,preventing movement of the brace member 104 with respect to the firstfitting 124. In various aspects, additional or other fasteners can beused for attaching the first fitting 124 to the proximal end 104 a ofthe brace member 104; for example, clips, rivets, snaps, adhesive,welds, or any other fastener known in the art.

A fastener bore 132 can be formed in the fitting body 170 of the firstfitting 124. In the current aspect, the fastener bore 132 is a blindhole. The fastener bore 132 can be threaded to match the threading onthe tail end 120 b of the first fastening device 120, allowing thefastening device 120 to be threaded with the fastener bore 132, andattaching the fastening device 120 to the fitting 124. In exampleaspects, a centerline axis C_(fb) of the fastener bore 132 issubstantially aligned with the centerline axis C_(p) of the brace member104, and as such, a centerline axis C_(fd) of the first fastening device120 is substantially aligned with the centerline axis C_(p) of the bracemember 104. In such an aspect, the first fastening device 120 and thebrace member 104 are oriented concentrically with respect to oneanother.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, according to example aspects, the effectivelength of the first fastening device 120 is the distance between adistal end of the first fastening device 120 and the first fitting 124.The effective length of the first fastening device 120 can beselectively adjusting by adjusting the depth by which the threaded tailend 120 b of the first fastening device 124 is threaded into thefastener bore 132. In FIG. 8, the first fastening device 120 is onlypartially threaded into the fastener bore 132 of the first fitting 124,with the effective length of the first fastening device 120 indicated byL₁. In FIG. 9, the first fastening device 120 is fully threaded into thefastener bore 132 of the first fitting 124, with the effective length ofthe first fastening device 120 indicated by L₁. As is illustrated,effective length L₂ is less than effective length L₁. Thus, the lengthof the pipe support assembly 100 can be selectively lengthened andshortened to fit the orientations of varying pipes and piping systemswith respect to a mounting structure. It should be noted that, invarious aspects, additional or other fastening devices can be used forattaching the pipe clamp 102 to the first fitting 124, provided that thefasteners allow for selective adjustment of the length of the pipesupport assembly 100.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the pipe support assembly 100 can comprise asecond fitting 124′ coupled to a distal end 104 c of the brace member104. The second fitting 124′ can be substantially similar to the firstfitting 124. The pipe support assembly 100 can further comprise a secondfastening device 120′ coupled to the second fitting 124′. The secondfastening device 120′ can be substantially similar to the firstfastening device 120, and the method for coupling the second fasteningdevice 120′ to the second fitting 124′ can be substantially similar tothe method for coupling the first fastening device 120 to the firstfitting 124. According to an example aspect, the second fastening device120′ and brace member 104 can be oriented concentrically with respect toone another. Further, the effective length of the second fasteningdevice 120′ can be selectively adjusted in a manner that issubstantially similar to the adjustment of the first fastening device120. Allowing for length adjustment at both ends of the brace member 104increases the range of lengths that can be achieved by the pipe supportassembly 100.

FIG. 15 also illustrates an example aspect of the mounting bracket 106,according to the present disclosure, that can be configured for mountingthe pipe 108 to a structure (e.g., a building). In combination, the pipeclamp 102, brace member 104, and mounting bracket 106 can form the pipesupport assembly 100, though it will be understood by one skilled in theart that other mounts, clamps, and bracing devices can be used invarious aspects of the current disclosure. The pipe support assembly 100can be mounted to any suitable mounting structure, such as, for example,a joist, a wooden beam or blocking, a steel beam, or a concrete wall,pillar, floor, or ceiling. In other aspects, the pipe 108 can be mountedto the structure with other mounting mechanisms known in the art, suchas beam clamps. Undesirable prying or twisting forces on the mountingbracket 106 and/or the mounting structure can be reduced byconcentrically loading the brace member 104 in the manner describedabove.

The mounting bracket 106 can comprise a mounting plate 140 configured toabut and engage a mounting structure, such as, for example, a concretewall 160, wherein the concrete wall can be part of a larger structure,such as a building. The mounting bracket 106 further can comprise aprotruding portion 142 extending from the mounting plate 140. Theprotruding portion 142 of the mounting bracket 106 can engage the secondfastening device 120′ to attached the brace member 104 and pipe clamp102 to the mounting bracket 140.

The protruding portion 142 of the mounting bracket 106 can compriseopposing first and second side walls 144. Note, in the figures, only thefirst sidewall 144 is shown. Each side wall 144 can define an side wallopening (not shown) formed therein, the openings being horizontallyaligned and configured to allow the passage of a fastener 148 throughboth sidewalls 144. The fastener 148 can be, for example, a cross bolt,as shown in the figures. Example aspects of the cross bolt fastener 148can comprise a hexagonally-shaped head end (not shown) and a cylindricalthreaded tail end 148 a extending therefrom. The threaded tail end 148 aof the cross bolt fastener 148 can pass through the openings in the sidewalls 144, with the hexagonal head end (not shown) abutting an outersurface of the second side wall (not shown). The cross bolt fastener 148can be secured to the mounting bracket 106 by coupling a mating threadednut 150 to the threaded tail end 148 a of the cross bolt. The nut 150can be tightened against the outer surface of the first side wall 144 ofthe mounting bracket 106, as shown. The openings formed in the sidewalls 144 can be threaded or unthreaded. The cross bolt fastener 148 andnut 150 can be formed from any suitable material, including, but notlimited to, metal and plastic. In other aspects, the fastener 148 can bea clip, rivet, snap, adhesive, weld, another type of bolt, or any otherfastener known in the art. Example aspects of the fastener 148 canfurther comprise a washer (not shown) positioned between the nut 150 andthe outer surface of the first side wall 144 to aid in evenlydistributing the pressure of the nut 150 and in preventing loosing ofthe nut 150. For example, the washer can be a lock washer comprising aplurality of teeth configured to engage opposing teeth on the nut 150.In other aspects, the washer can be a plain washer.

Interior surfaces of the two opposing side walls 144 of the mountingbracket 106 can be separated by a gap (not shown), with an intermediateportion of the cross bolt fastener 148 extending through the gap.According to example aspects, the second fastening device 120′ can berotatably coupled to the intermediate portion of the cross bolt fastener148 in a manner that is substantially similar to the coupling of thefirst fastening device 120 to the track bolt fastener 114. Note that, indifferent aspects, other connectors can be employed to allow forrotation of the second fastening device 120′ with respect to themounting bracket 106, such as, for example, a swivel bolt.

The mounting plate 140 of the mounting bracket 106 can be coupled to theprotruding portion 142 of the mounting bracket. Example aspects of themounting plate 140 can define a front surface 140 a and anopposite-facing rear surface 140 b. The rear surface 140 b of themounting plate 140 can be configured to abut and engage a mountingstructure, such as the concrete wall 160. According to the depictedaspect, the rear surface 140 b can define a substantially flat profileto lie against and engage the substantially flat concrete wall 160. Inother aspects, the rear surface 140 b of the mounting plate 140 candefine a non-flat profile. For example, the rear surface 140 b can becurved to engage a curved mounting structure or angular to engage anangular mounting structure. The front surface 140 a of the mountingplate 140 can be oriented opposite the rear surface 140 b of themounting plate 140, such that the front surface 140 a faces away fromthe wall 160.

As is illustrated in FIG. 15, the mounting bracket 106 of the pipesupport assembly 100 can be directly coupled to the concrete wallmounting structure 160. The mounting plate 140 of the mounting bracket106 can define one or more through-holes (not shown) extending from thefront surface 140 a of the mounting plate 140 to the rear surface 140 b.A concrete wedge anchor 152 for coupling the mounting bracket 106 to theconcrete wall 160 can extend through the though-holes to engage theconcrete wall 160. The concrete wedge anchor 152 can comprise a threadedrod portion 152 a and an anchor portion 152 b. The diameter of theanchor portion 152 b tapers to a slightly smaller size away from thethreaded portion 152 a and then tapers back out to match the diameter ofthe threaded portion 152 a at the end of the anchor portion 152 b. Awedge clip 158 can be attached around the narrower section of the anchorportion 152 b. The anchor portion 152 b of the wedge anchor 152 and thewedge clip 158 can pass through the though-hole (not shown) in themounting plate 140 and be inserted into a passage 162 in the concretewall 160. In example aspects, the diameter of the passage 162 in theconcrete wall 160 is substantially the same as the diameter of theanchor wedge 152 at its largest diameter. A nut 154 can be threaded ontothe threaded portion 152 a of the wedge anchor 152 and tightened againstthe front surface 140 a of the mounting plate 140 to secure the mountingbracket 106 against the concrete wall 160. In example aspects, a washer(not shown)—for example, a plain washer or a lock washer, as describedabove—can be positioned between the nut 154 and the front surface 140 aof the mounting plate 140 to aid in evenly distributing the pressure ofthe nut and in preventing loosing of the nut. As the nut 154 istightened, the wedge anchor 152 is drawn partially out of the passage162, wedging the wedge clip 158 between the wide end of the anchorportion 152 b and the walls of the concrete passage 162. In otheraspects, the mounting bracket 106 can be fastened to the concrete wall160 using any other suitable fastener known in the art, such as, forexample, bolts, clips, rivets, snaps, adhesives, or welds.

According to other aspects of the current disclosure, the brace member104 can be mounted directly to a mounting structure, without the needfor a mounting bracket 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the secondfastening device 120′ can be replaced with a concrete wedge anchor 152for attaching the pipe support assembly 100 to a concrete wall 160. Theconcrete wedge anchor 152 comprises an anchor portion 152 b that can beinserted into a passage 162 in the concrete mounting structure 160 and athreaded portion 152 a that is threaded with the second fastener bore132′ of the second fitting 124′. A nut 154 can be threaded onto thethreaded portion 152 a and tightened against the concrete structure 160,wedging a wide end of the anchor portion 152 b between a wedge clip 158and the walls of the concrete passage 162. Example aspects can comprisea washer (not shown) that can be positioned between the nut 154 and theconcrete wall 160 to aid in evenly distributing the pressure of the nut154 and to help prevent loosing of the nut 154. In such an exampleaspect, the length of the pipe support assembly 100 can be selectivelyadjusted by threading and unthreading the first fastening device 120with respect to the first fitting 124 and/or by threading andunthreading the threaded portion 152 a of the concrete wedge anchor 152with respect to the second fitting 124′.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of another aspect of the fitting 124,wherein the fitting 124 comprises a body opening 177 extending laterallythrough the fitting body 170. As shown in FIG. 18, the fitting body 170can be positioned between the sidewalls 144 of the mounting bracket 106,and the body opening 177 (shown in FIG. 17) of the fitting body 170 canbe aligned with the side wall openings (not shown) in the side walls144. The fitting 124 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 106 byextending the cross bolt fastener 148 through the side wall openings andthe body opening 177 and tightening the nut 150 on the cross boltfastener 148.

As discussed above, example aspects of the fitting 124 of the presentdisclosure can be configured to engage a peripheral edge 166 of a bracemember 104 at at least first and second locations along the peripheraledge 166. The first and second locations can be disposed opposite fromone another, such that the brace member 104 is loaded concentrically. Inother aspects, the fitting 124 can engage a peripheral edge 166 of abrace member 104 at three or more locations. The three or more locationscan be equally spaced from one another, such that the load carried bythe brace member 104 is concentric to the brace member 104. In stillother aspects, the fitting 124 can continuously engage the entireperipheral edge 166 of the brace member 104.

Also, according to an example aspect of the disclosure, the rotationalcoupling of the first fastening device 120 to the pipe clamp 102 allowsthe brace member 104 to move relative to the pipe clamp 102, and therotational coupling of the second fastening device 120′ to the mountingbracket 106 allows the brace member 104 to move relative to the mountingbracket 106. Such freedom of movement can be desired in instances ofseismic events or other events that cause a structure to move (such asthe settling of a building), as the pipe support system 100 can movealong with the moving structure.

Moreover, as discussed above, the length of the example pipe supportassembly 100 described and contemplated herein can be selectivelylengthened and shortened. Such adjustability provides the desirablebenefit of having a single pipe support assembly 100 design that iscapable of supporting pipes 108 and piping systems positioned at varyingdistances from a mounting structure.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A fitting for engaging a brace member, thefitting comprising; a fitting body; a first jaw extending from thefitting body; a second jaw extending from the fitting body, a firstcontact surface defined between the first and second jaw and configuredto engage a top side of a peripheral edge of the brace member, the firstjaw and second jaw defining a slot therebetween, the slot defining aslot wall, the first contact surface formed on the slot wall; and a lipextending from the fitting body, the lip defining a second contactsurface configured to engage a bottom side of the peripheral edge of thebrace member, the lip defining a lip wall, the second contact surfaceformed on the lip wall; a third contact surface configured to engage aleft side of the peripheral edge; and a fourth contact surfaceconfigured to engage a right side of the peripheral edge, wherein thefirst contact surface, second contact surface, third contact surface,and fourth contact surface define a continuous contact surface.
 2. Thefitting of claim 1, wherein the first contact surface, second contactsurface, third contact surface, and fourth contact surface are coplanar.3. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the first contact surface is spacedapart from the second contact surface.
 4. The fitting of claim 1,further comprising a fastener configured to fasten the fitting to thebrace member.
 5. A method for attaching a fitting to a brace member,comprising; inserting a portion of a wall of the brace member between afirst and a second jaw of the fitting, the wall defining a peripheraledge, wherein inserting the portion of the wall of the brace memberbetween the first and second jaw of the fitting comprises inserting aportion of the wall into a slot defined between the first and secondjaw; abutting an entirety of the peripheral edge against a continuouscontact surface of the fitting, wherein abutting an entirety of theperipheral edge against the continuous contact surface of the fittingcomprises abutting a first portion of the peripheral edge against a slotwall of the slot and abutting a second portion of the peripheral edgeagainst a lip wall of a lip of the fitting; and attaching the fitting tothe brace member with a fastener.